This course orients students to relevant empirical research about families. Focusing on the contextual issues of the family life cycle, the readings will expose students to scholarly literature on various issues that they may see in clinical practice as well as the diversity of family forms. The processes and modification to family structures over nodal points in time (e.g. birth of first child, divorce) along with attention to culture, gender and socioeconomic influences will be covered. Students will apply the information from the readings via class discussion and student presentations. This course will give students background to move to more clinically focused training during assessment and practicum.